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Why Johnny, or in this case Mr. Johnny, Can't Read

Ever heard of Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (also known as Irlen Syndrome)? It is not a vision problem, but a problem caused by the brain incorrectly processing what the eye is seeing. People with SSS are highly sensitive to particular wavelengths of light which causes them to see print in a distorted fashion. For some, words seem to swim across the page. For others, they swirl in a circular motion. Others have what is called the “rivers” effect, where the words on the printed page run together. Standard vision exams and educational assessments do not detect this condition.

Though he never learned to read as a child, Del Kennedy somehow managed to get through high school and into adulthood. Now in his late 50's, Kennedy has conquered this form of dyslexia partly with the help of the Muskogee (OK) Public Library’s Adult Literacy Services, and will speak about his voyage at a meeting at the library later this week. Report from the Muskogee Phoenix.